29 January 2014

During Question Time, the Minister for Regional Development responded to questions on subjects including Northern Ireland Water, Cycle Lanes, Parking Fines and Illegal Parking.

The Minister informed the house that the legal costs associated with the former director of Northern Ireland Water are expected to be close to £90,000.

Cycling continues to be of interest to the public and Sammy Douglas was keen to find out what plans the Minister has to upgrade the existing cycle lanes along the Connswater Community Greenway. The Minister stated:

I am very excited that there are a number of proposals, including the Connswater Community Greenway, that could work very well and become landmark projects in not only Belfast but all over Northern Ireland.
The issue of illegal parking was raised during topical questions and the Minister said that he was keen on the residents' parking schemes that he has been trying to negotiate with local communities and bring into being in areas of Belfast.

Pat Sheean wanted to know if the pilot initiative involving audiovisual aids on buses and at bus stops that is under way in the Braniel area of Belfast will be rolled out to other areas? The Minister informed the Member that his Department have submitted a bid to OFMDFM for funding for an audiovisual programme that would further extend the opportunities.
You can read the full transcript on our website.